Arvind Kejriwal's detention ends today in Delhi excise policy case

PTC News Desk: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's detention under Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody is set to conclude today, amidst ongoing investigations into an alleged liquor policy scam. 

Here are the key points surrounding this significant development:

1. Arrest and Custody: Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended on March 21 and has remained under ED custody since then. Despite his confinement, he has continued to oversee governmental affairs from within the ED lock-up. Initially, his custody was extended until April 1, subsequent to its expiry on March 28.

2. Legal Challenge: Kejriwal has challenged his arrest, contending that it violated his fundamental rights. His plea has been taken up by the Delhi High Court, which issued a notice to the ED, with the next hearing scheduled for April 3.

3. Political Allegations: Describing his arrest as a "political conspiracy," Kejriwal's party has mobilized protests against it. The timing, just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition factions.

4. Opposition Rally: Leaders from various opposition parties assembled at a massive rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, demanding Kejriwal's release alongside former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, also held by the ED.

5. Role of Sunita Kejriwal: Sunita Kejriwal, the Chief Minister's wife, has assumed a pivotal role in liaising with supporters and conveying messages from her husband during his detention.

6. Public Address: At the recent rally, Sunita Kejriwal delivered a passionate speech criticising the central government and relayed a message from Arvind Kejriwal, outlining six election promises ahead of the upcoming polls.

7. Health Concerns: Reports emerged indicating Kejriwal's deteriorating health, citing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Concerns were raised as his blood sugar reportedly dropped to a precarious level of 46.

8. International Response: The arrest has garnered international attention, with the United Nations, United States, and Germany expressing hopes for the protection of rights, particularly amidst the electoral climate. India has responded by summoning US and German envoys to register its objections to their comments.

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9. Series of Arrests: Kejriwal becomes the third AAP leader implicated in the alleged liquor policy scandal, following former deputy Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh. The policy, initially aimed at reforming Delhi's liquor trade, was scrapped amid suspicions of irregularities. The ED suspects that profits from the policy may have been diverted to finance AAP's election campaigns.

10. Policy Scandal: The liquor policy, intended to revamp Delhi's alcohol industry, came under scrutiny following orders from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for an investigation into possible malpractices. ED investigations are centered on alleged misuse of funds from the policy for political gains.

As Kejriwal's custody concludes, all eyes are on the legal proceedings and their implications for both the ongoing investigations and the political landscape in Delhi.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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